Tag: principles

The definition of genius by Albert Einstein is more apt today than then.

Genius is making complex ideas simple.

Technology is adding complexity to our existence exponentially at warp speed. However, recent encounters with the architects of some of that brilliance have reminded me of another Einstein gem.

If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.

And, that my friends, brings us to the opportunity du jour. When technicians want to hide behind their dysfunctional “code” and make excuses, the time has come to examine that stinkin’ thinkin’.

Yes, or No

The “problem” (opportunity in disguise) that we face are those individuals who believe there are three choices to any situation:

Yes

No

Maybe

However, the Universe and computer Code doesn’t work that way. It simply obeys the progression of an event through two channels: (Choices) Yes, or No — (Numerals) 0, or 1

There is absolutely no wiggle room of:

Try

Maybe

Someday

Does the Serenity Prayer come to mind?

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can,And wisdom to know the difference.

Yes, life is really that simple:

Fix

Not

The absolute beauty of this inherent Universal Principle is we have a guarantee to move forward through life — without the fear of going in circles, round-and-round the Mulberry Bush.

Genius

Genius comes from the Latin word of the same name, meaning “guardian deity or spirit which watches over each person from birth” or “innate ability.”

We are all — each and every one of us — a genius. We are unique to the Universe, one-of-a-kind, broke-the-mold, temporary as a snowflake, beautiful in design, a creation engineered to be able to deliver that “wizardry” of creative value to everyone in our sphere of influence.

Action requires that we are able and willing. So, the only question remaining, “Will we — make the complex simple?”

Pure Genius

I believe we will — if we apply “pure” genius, which is Love.

“What’s love got to do with it?!”

Everything — because, it’s hard to always clearly state our intent and, then, commit our actions to a life of Yes, or No. So much easier is the way of Try, Maybe, and Someday.

Love, the greatest gift, is a chosen, purposeful effort — often done in the face of fear — to nurture our own growth and the growth of others.

Every moment of every day, we must decide whether an action will benefit:

Me

You

For the narcissists among us, their choice is easy — they always choose ME. For the rest of us, we struggle to believe — it is more blessed to give than to receive.

More times than not, though, we remember Karma is 100% accurate in delivering what is earned — and we do the right thing. We think, plan, and do — while considering what is best for YOU.

I wish you well in your wizardry — and I am available to enlighten, empower, and encourage. It’s the pure genius of our thoughts, planning, and actions which will provide the way for all to enjoy heaven on earth.

Notorious for bragging about their lifestyle are the Montana ranchers — while they use the leverage of debt as a crutch to hobble down to oblivion.

There is a better way.

Million or Penny a Day?

What would you rather have — a million dollars, today, or a penny doubled for a month?

Your answer will be an academic letter grade of your comprehension of the magical concept of “compounding” — either a grade of A (passing) or F (failing). The good news, today, is you’ve discovered this presentation — and can save (literally) yourself millions of dollars in Interest (expense).

You can enjoy fancy trips with your Family — rather than financing those vacations for your neighborhood Banker.

I hope you said, “Give me that penny doubled for thirty-one days.” Because that answer is worth an additional amount of $9,737,418.24.

“How can that be?!” you ask.

“Compounding,” I reply.

Now, that you know the most important aspect of this financial principle, “What will you do?”

Good Debt & Bad Debt

Okay, this is a little like Good Cop — Bad Cop. Insomuch that we can only really appreciate the good after experiencing the bad. Odds are good that everyone has done “it” in our Twenty’s — enjoyed using a Credit Card until the Bill came.

Then, we stared at that Total wondering, “How the heck can all those little amounts add up to such a big one?!” In the world of Finance, that big Total is known as the Principal.

Now, the fun begins (for the Bankers) — because for every dollar of Principal, from the beginning of that original thought, “I just can’t live without…” and a swipe of the plastic, Interest is calculated. The challenge then becomes, “How fast can we pay that Debt back?”

If the swipe of that Credit Card was to purchase something which made YOU more productive, that is Good Debt. If, however, you simply caved into fleshly desires and temptations, then, you have experienced Bad Debt.

And — all Debt is worse than Income Taxes. Interest accrues from the moment of indebtedness until payment is made. Year after year Bankers are like predators circling a carcass — they will demand their Interest be paid in good years and bad. We only pay Income Taxes in the good years.

History Lessons

Those who refuse to learn from History are forced to repeat it. That, my friends, is another Universal Principle — we will keep getting opportunities to learn until we understand the lesson inherent in the experience.

For an entire generation, we have been sold a Bill of Goods known widely as Quantitative Easing. That’s a fancy term for Free Money. And, oh how the Bankers have pushed that money at People. Maybe, even you. Did you take it? Because if you did, YOU need (and want) a Plan to get rid of that Debt.

“Why?!” you plaintively ask.

“Because I have vivid memories of a 19% interest rate in 1985,” is my reply.

The interest rate on Home mortgages for us twenty-somethings was 15%.

What’s the difference between 5% and 15%?

You’ll find it hard to believe — but, here’s the reality. And, I can explain it a couple different ways. First we’ll start with the Monthly payment on a modest house of $250,000 in today’s Billings, Montana, real estate market. Then, we’ll take a look at what Rates do to Prices.

The only two resources available to human kind are Time and Money. As we consider the investment of these resources, we also need to know Rate of return — Risk, or Reward. Before this current generation of “creative economics” and “funny money,” historically, interest Rates are a measurement of Risk. Does the phrase Credit Score come to mind?

Knowing the Principal, Term Certain, and Interest Rate we are ready to examine some Examples of a typical young couple in love — with their first house.

$125,296.40 at 15% for 20 years — Monthly Payment is $1,649.89. (CLICK)

So, if you have invested blood, sweat, and tears into Home ownership, then, be happy to live in your current home for many years, be ready to have a negative equity position for many years, or have a Plan to become debt free.

This societal notion of “free money” does not work — being “debt free” is a goal worthy of your Time and Money.

Bankers

I hope you noticed the total amount of Interest paid over the life of the loan for that $250,000 home, for a period of 20 years (please, review the last page of the Amortization Schedules).

$250,000 at 5% for 20 years — Interest paid by you is $145,973.60. (CLICK)

$250,000 at 15% for 20 years — Interest paid by you is $540,172.80. (CLICK)

Yes, that’s right — and we older kids did it — pay for that beautiful Home three times: once for Principal and twice for Interest.

Now, we made this better with 15-years of payments. $379,814.60 (CLICK)

So, it is possible to help ourselves and take fancy trips with our Families, to the tune of $160,358.20*, by paying $207.00** more per month.[*$540,072.80 – 379,814.60 and **$3,498.97 – 3,291.97]

Or, if you are bound and determined to let a Banker do your thinking, you will pay an additional $347,826.80*, by “saving” $130.86 per month.[*$887,999.60 – 540,172.80 and **$3,291.97 – 3,161.11]

I beg of you, please, “Do your own thinking!”

Help Yourself

When interest rates are 15%, the average Citizen cannot afford $250,000 houses. The price will come down to something in the neighborhood of $85,000 to $125,000.

Because this is another Universal Principle — there is an inverse relationship between Interest Rates and the Price of what Debt purchases.

The magical thing about numbers is they are proportional — 1/3 of $250,000 is $83,333.33 and a monthly payment of $1,097.32 [$3,291.97 / 3]. (CLICK)

Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum of debt, use these examples to make decisions, today, to help yourself in Building Your Dynamic Future.

Will interest rates go all the way back up to 15%?

I don’t know, for sure — but having lived through Mortgage rates of 15% and having paid Business loan rates of 19%, I’ll offer this, “They did it before — and it is possible for them (Bankers) to do it, again.”

In the “olden days” there were two purchase options to prevent people from becoming indebted: Savings and Layaway. Yes, it is possible to stay in vogue with societal trends by saving for the purchase of a consumable — or by placing the item out of sight and out of mind, with the Merchant, while making monthly payments (of Principal only) to acquire it.

Leverage

Debt is (AKA) also known as leverage.

The reason “why” is that debt will let us “pry” our way into deals bigger than what we are capable of doing on our own — from the Cash in our own back pocket.

Again, if we are using Good Debt for a good reason — to become more productive in life and business — then, we will create new wealth.

Remember, though, a debt must be paid back with after-tax dollars. For those in a 40% Income Tax Bracket, this means they pay back debt with 60 cent dollars.

In other words to pay back $1,000 of debt, they need to earn Wages or Profit of $1,666.67 [solution: $1,000 / .60] and they will pay $666.67 in Taxes [solution: $1,666.67 x .40] to, then, have $1,000 to pay back the Banker plus the market rate of interest (Prime + Banker Profit).

Debt is (via Bankers) a cruel taskmaster — you will be a slave to a Banker.

Lifestyle

Remember my story about the Montana ranchers?

For 35+ years, I’ve teased them about their lifestyle.

“I’m sure glad you didn’t waltz in here with your crowbar,” I’ll say.

Puzzled, perplexed, and border-line offended they respond with, “What do you mean?!”

“Well,” I’ll continue, “When you encounter a big rock at the bottom of a posthole, you go to the toolshed and get the crowbar. You leverage the rock out of the hole and, then, put the crowbar back where it belongs — away in the toolshed.”

“Why, then, do you believe living in constant fear of having all your stuff repossessed is good for you?”

I have yet to receive a positive answer to that question. I’ve listened to them swear a blue streak of profanity — at me and the world. But, there have been very few Debtors change their beliefs and actions.

Sad, because I’ve watched good people lose farms, ranches, and mainstreet businesses — simply because they refused to hear and use Common Sense.

If you want a new, debt-free, lifestyle, contact me and we’ll take the steps forward to building a bright dynamic future for YOU — and your Family.

Yet, we can be the Captain of Destiny — as we create a future of our choice.

All We Do Begins With A Thought

Reverse Genius

Genius is taking the complex and making it simple — which, then, means Stupidity is taking the simple and making it complex.

There are moments, as we stare in disbelief at the absurd, when we ask, “What the flaming heck were they thinking?!”

The problem is just that, “They probably weren’t thinking.” And, that, my friends, is why we find ourselves in the Danger Zone. The majority of civilization in any society, at any time, are not thinking. They are, simply, going with the flow — of what propagandists want them to say and do.

On the other hand, the real geniuses have always been considered crazy — for going where angels fear to tread. Because they push against what the majority consider normal (generally, the lowest common denominator), the innovators of the world happily bear the ridicule of the masses.

Fix Your Thoughts

Now, you’re thinking, “Did he slip a cog. What’s up with this notion of happily bear ridicule?!”

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

If goodness is out of vogue, happy people don’t care. What they do CARE about is truth, honor, righteousness, purity, love, and admiration for the 100% accuracy of Karma delivering what is earned.

By thinking about excellence and praiseworthy topics, happy people create their own destiny. With words, it is impossible to capture this principle, which is more magical than logical.

YOU must experience it through your actions.

All We Do Begins With A Thought

Paradoxical Commandments

Some things are better explained by the experts. In keeping with the concept Less Is More, I’ll direct you to Dr. Kent M. Keith.

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.Love them anyway.If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.Do good anyway.If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.Succeed anyway.The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.Do good anyway.Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.Be honest and frank anyway.The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.Think big anyway.People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.Fight for a few underdogs anyway.What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.Build anyway.People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.Help people anyway.Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.Give the world the best you have anyway.

Love Your Enemies

Yes, when reminded to do this, I tend to balk, too. However, recently, I read the Rest of the Story to realize, “We’re not alone in our daily effort to fix — what is broken.”

When someone with the Power to heal the deformed is condemned by the local yokels, then, we find ourselves in extraordinarily great company.

He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At this, His enemies were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.

Short version of the story is they killed Him.

But before they did, our Hero had this to say, “To you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

That is the way to fix Thoughts.

Do we change the character of our enemies, the haters, the vulgar, or the abusers? Simple answer: No.

Why, then, are we encouraged to Do It?

Because it is tonic for our Thoughts.

Into The Unknown

We don’t know what we don’t know. Or, in other words, how do we navigate a course never before traveled? Simple answer: Faith.

In leaving the shores of the old behind, we embrace the horizons of new beginnings. We sail forth by changing the way we think.

Whatever the mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve.

Will we make “mistakes” that will be harshly judged by the naysayers as a representation of our foolishness? Of course! That is the exciting element of this great adventure into the unknown — we will grow, while the rest of the world stagnates in their comfortable rut (grave with the ends kicked out).

What is LOVE, anyway?

This definition works for me.

The greatest gift is a chosen, purposeful effort — often done in the face of fear — to nurture our own growth and the growth of others.

Let Me Explain

The reason WHY you want to Build Something — Special is so YOU can be your own boss, provide well for your Family, and achieve personal and business success to the level you choose.

Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner offer intrinsic lessons to teach us how to navigate the threats and compensate for weaknesses — so, that, we can build on our strengths and focus on the opportunities. (SWOT)

Having fun is the definition of a rich, full, and abundant life. This preamble from our United States Declaration of Independence speaks volumes to what should be our chosen lifestyle.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Importance of Speed

Until I was twelve years old, I though my middle name was Runget. Dad was a ranch-hand, working on Montana ranches owned by Trust Fund Babies. Although our family was poor of money, we were rich in love — Dad loved his Family and I loved to go with him, to work.

Whether we were building new wood fences for the bullpen, fixing a broken piece of equipment, or training a young horse, there were always those occasions where Dad needed something we didn’t have, with us.

So, he would say, “Kim, run get…” (whatever it was imperative to success)

And, I ran. Me and Forrest Gump — we ran. I ran so much that by the time we moved to the foreign country of East Texas, I ran the other guys off the track and brought home my share of 1st place ribbons.

Wile E Coyote

If you want to see the predators circle, begin building something of value. A whole pack of your enemies will be first to the scene — and not far behind them will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many you counted as friends will show their true color — green, with envy and jealousy.

Unless you go all in to achieve success according to your plan, the predators will go all out to destroy your hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

And — that’s WHY it is imperative that you have a Better Business Plan.

Roadrunner

We never see the Roadrunner working on his blueprint to stay alive. Yet, his resourcefulness indicates that he is constantly modifying and adapting his Better Business Plan to avoid the wiles of the coyote.

Much more important than playing not to lose (his life) it is much more fun playing to win (your success).

Better Business Plan

Since we have two hands with five fingers on each, let’s simplify all this into a 5-Step Model.

Drafting (discipline)

Implementing (dedication)

Measuring (patience)

Modifying (perseverance)

Celebrating (collaboration)

Drafting ~ The first step is to make a plan. All creations of value begin with an idea captured into a Blueprint.

Implementing ~ Once the plan is available, the adage, “Work the plan!” rings true. Blood, sweat, and tears will be the investment.

Measuring ~ In order to manage, we must measure — “What is going right?” — and, “What needs improvement?”

Modifying ~ “Nothing works quite right the first time.” Our choices are Resignation and Despair — or, Fascination and Curiosity.

Celebrating ~ Success is a beautiful experience, to be shared with admiring friends and respectful enemies. Enjoy!

Two Choices

We have two hands — and, not three, five, or eight — because they are a reminder there are only two paths available: Light, or Darkness. On one hand, this — and, on the other hand, that.

The creation of light requires effort — make a candle, gather fuel, or strike a match all require resources and time.

Darkness is a void — a vast nothingness of worthless space. Yet, host to those who choose to hide their evil thoughts and actions.

Wile E Coyote usually met his demise in the darkness of a canyon, as we watched him go “poof” into a cloud of dust. His own actions were the cause of the result — and Roadrunner was, simply, a spectator to Karma.

Well Balanced

All great thriller movies have this in common — there are four heroes, each with a different and extreme temperament type, who are brought together by the hand of fate to overcome impossible odds.

During the adventure, it becomes clear to us that all four of those different and extreme temperaments — combined into one powerful force — were absolutely necessary for good to triumph over evil.

For each of us, individually, the same principle holds true — we must incorporate the four temperaments into our hero persona to be well balanced and successful in our ventures.

Types of Thinkers

There are three dimensions to human Thought: Flatliners, 2-D, and 3-D.

Flatliners are just that — draw a line, from left to right, and that represents the Zombies of the world. They don’t think — they just exist. If we let that flat line represent the horizon, there is never anything on it. No ideas, no plans, and no sense of direction, or purpose.

2-D Thinkers have a horizontal and vertical axis — in addition to left and right, they have an up and a down. Now, we get a picture of who they are. Literally, as we view any work of canvas art, we have a sense of the creators’ style, taste, and intention.

3-D Thinkers have a depth to their thoughts. That flat picture image we admired for a moment, now extends backward and forward, to offer an exciting opportunity for us to engage with that individual.

Relationship Strategies

There are many variations of the Quadrant Philosophy. For the sake of this presentation, I’ll offer two — which I believe will enlighten, empower, and encourage you to invest time in your own discovery.

“Discovery of what,” you ask?

“Of you and how to connect with me,” I say.

Imagine a map of the United States. Now, draw the horizontal and vertical axis (big Plus sign) across the Map. Each of us lives in one of the four quadrants. Then, think about where your friends live. Do you, always, expect them to cross those axis lines to visit you? Or, is it more fun to go visit them?

The point: we study Relationship Strategies to understand how to get to where others are —because three-fourths of them do not live in our Quadrant.

DISC

One prominent personality profiling model is DISC — which is the acronym for these four profile types Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness.

(Click For Larger Image)

For a small fee, you too can discover your location in the Quadrants by testing here.

Please, remember, we go through this exercise not to obtain a “label” — but, instead, to increase our understanding of how to better connect with other people. I believe in leading the way to make the path easier for those who choose to follow — so, here are the results of my DISC Classic 2.0.

DISC Simplification

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So, let’s simplify DISC by using the analogy of target practice with a rifle, the performance of which is best achieved by: Ready, Aim, Fire.

A “High C” sharpshooter (remember, that’s your favorite SageTalk author) will do this: Ready, Aim, Aim, Aim, Aim, Aim (while considering distance to target, weight of bullet, grain of powder, composition of target, wind velocity, barometric pressure, etc). Somewhere in this sequence, probably after about the third Aim, your head is about to explode! Our bad. We — me, a “High C” — need data, lots of data. Because we intend to be precise in the result — when we, eventually, commit to squeezing the trigger.

I have many “High D” friends. Their approach to our target practice is: Fire! ~ Ready, Aim. In fact, they’re probably using their semi-automatic to blast away. “No worries, mate! Knock ’em all down. We’ll sort out the pieces, later!” Their motto is, “Just get it done and get it done, now!”

Oh, look. Here comes an I, a “High I” at that. Dressed to the nines in his sporting jacket, puffy pants, fancy cap, high-top boots — and, he has a designer shootin’ iron draped over his arm. He’s ready for the party, drinks, and conversation — after we punch a few holes.

And, yes, that’s a “High S” standing off to the side making sure all the spent cartridges are gathered and wondering if we, really, need to make this much noise.

Bill Engvall has the right idea for the galactically stupid people of the world — and, expresses it in his comedic routine — Here’s Your Sign. Yet, by considering the insight, above, the question becomes, “Are they really stupid?” Or, are they just doing the best they can with what they know and the resources available to them? And, is it possible that because their DISC sign is different from ours, they’re thinking we’re the “stupid” ones?!

KWML

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Now, let’s have even more fun with a different set of Quadrants — King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.

Yes, once again, I have whacked a path through the thickets for us.

As much as I wanted to be a King — because, after all, the meaning of the name Kim is Chief. And, many of my friends, when we’re working together, affectionately use that term quite liberally.

So, my first time through the assessment was Thursday, April 19th — during that week after Tax Season, when I had time for me. As I surveyed my kingdom through the large windows of my Red Lodge home — of which, the 18th Fairway was an extension of the backyard — all was well in the Realm. Sure enough, at that moment, I was a King.

Then, the next week, it was back to work. After a few days off, evidently, the Forces-That-Be decided I was ready to be engaged in new adventures. It was a Wednesday, April 25th, when I made it back to the castle, after a busy day of slaying Dragons. I thought, “Let’s take that silly KWML test, again — because today was a typical day in my universe.” Hello Spartacus.

A force of nature, Warriors have the power and confidence to conquer any task.

Confident, competitive, and analytical, you are a fierce and steady protector of your friends, family, and all things you hold dear. You’re extremely ambitious, targeted, and determined—almost to a fault of being self-centered—and are an undeniable force of industriousness.

While you’re logical, orderly, and respect the rules like the King and Queen, you’re much more assertive and always ready to dive into action or conflict. Because you prefer to be somewhat isolated, you tend to have few very good friends, but these friends definitely count on you whenever there’s a task to be done with precision.

Location on the cognitive-emotional spectrum: Located in the lower left quadrant of this spectrum, your personality reflects your strong emotional sense of confidence. Your style of thinking tends to be more left-brained — logical, sequential, rational, and objective.

“Give up the battle to win the war:” Dare to be occasionally weak to be seen as “real” to others and find that enemies can become friends if you let them have a bit of the power.

Again, the only reason I share this with you is to encourage YOU to understand where you are in relationship to other People.

SILVERADO

Released to theaters in 1985 (same year as the birth of my daughter, Lindsey), the movie Silverado is a family favorite. The heroes are Emmett, Mal, Jake, and Paden.

In thinking about sharing this Story with you, I practiced the outline with my son, Ryan, a few days ago. He helped me identify the King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover from the cast of Silverado.

Now, even as I type that out for us, do you see the pattern in the types of roles each of these four actors choose and for which they are best known?!

I rest my case.

There is something special about the KWML quadrants.

Four In One (CCPT)

Often, I’m asked, “What’s the difference between a Coach and a Consultant?! The simple answer is, “One asks all the questions and the other has all the answers.”

My mom offered daily prayers that I would go to Ambassador College and be trained as a Preacher. I have always wanted, though, to follow more in the footsteps of my dad and became a Teacher.

CoachThey ask questions with the belief that eventually you’ll tap into your inner child and find the wisdom to deal with your own dang problems.

ConsultantThey show up on the scene to fix what is broken and bring with them the solutions to all of your problems.

PreacherThey are passionate in the crusade to persuade you to believe you can enjoy heaven on earth, now – if you are willing to sacrifice your ego.

TeacherThey will share with you all of the tricks and tips from their vast libraries of education and experience to assist in your journey of learning how to fish.

Cowboy Poet & Philadelphia Lawyer (CPPL)

The self-proclaimed label of Cowboy Poet is to honor the importance of heroes and the power of words. As a kid, I wore a fancy, tied-down, two-gun rig, with which to dispatch the bad guys. Now, I rely on the proverb, “Truly, the pen is mightier than the sword.”

I received the title of Philadelphia Lawyer from my dad when I was about ten years old. We were unloading sacks of cow salt out of the pickup into the granary one evening — and, I was doing my twenty questions routine.

Evidently, I lost track of the number — and, it must have been a long day for Dad. In exasperation and with a smile, he declared, “Kim, you ask so many questions that I’m sure you’re going to grow up to be a Philadelphia lawyer!”

He didn’t miss the mark by much. When it comes to putting together the conference room deals of our society, attorneys and CPAs are usually sitting side by side.

Fifty years after Dad’s observation, that natural curiosity has grown exponentially. The questions have become more focused and the intent is pure. I want to help YOU build something – special.

The mental image of a Cowboy Poet & Philadelphia Lawyer is one of ostensible contradiction. Yet, these four words remind me that life is best experienced on a spectrum. So, think of a sphere. Then, imagine the axis lines holding it symmetrical from the inside, out.

Like the four points of a compass — as far as the East is from the West — opposite ends of the axis lines are required for balance.

Growth occurs when we push the artificial limit of where the internal axis lines end — which, are at the edge of who we currently are. As we stretch the boundaries, the result is a greater sphere of influence for the benefit of many.

These spectrum’s of life stretch to infinity — if we have the courage to let our minds become open to the vastness of the universe and the unlimited potential of each individual.

The cornerstones of my heritage are Spurs and Books. What rowels are to spurs, vowels are to words. They are the jingle of rhythm and points of meaning.

A Cowboy (Warrior) is a man of action and defender of principle. The thoughtful approach of a Poet (Lover) casts a soft and gentle hue. Philadelphia (King) is symbolic of friendship and brotherly love. When those attributes are absent in a relationship, a Lawyer (Magician) intends to discover the facts, and just the facts, ma’am!

Compass Bearings

As we begin to summarize these different Quadrant Philosophy variations, I want the KWML to be our true North. Therefore, I’ll restate the order of DISC, CCPT, and CPPL to match King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.

The bold words are the primary strengths I will bring to any relationship.

Choose Wisely

I hope these stories about the study of Relationship Strategies and the application of Quadrant Philosophy have inspired you to think about your role in meeting others where they are.

To push the boundaries of who we are and to better serve those in our sphere of influence, we must be relentless in applying all four temperaments.

Ask, seek, and knock on doors of opportunity, until you discover a Master to offer their version of the Three-E’s | Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage. Otherwise, you will be left in the dark, with no tools, and a feeling of hopelessness.

Many people are simply trudging through life — enduring each day. Because they are waiting for someone to save them from their earthly troubles. They have been led astray, by wolves in sheep’s clothing, to believe they must wait for the Kingdom of Heaven.

And, that dear Friends, is the importance of little words. There is a world of difference between of and in. Think about it — of denotes “belonging to” and in specifies “location.”

It is impossible for any of the scholarly ministers in their whited sepulchers to show me even one scripture reference to the exact phrase Kingdom in Heaven.

Let’s move around those in our way and claim the treasures promised to us.

A Better Way

Saddle up and ride with me.

The four horsemen of Silverado have shown us what is possible:

A misfit bunch of friends come together to right the injustices which exist in a small town.

Everything — Begins With YOU

My mission is to guide YOU to personal and business success,according to the vision that YOU establish for us.

I coach intensely passionate individuals, who want personal and business success.

That’s my Storyline; start with nothing and Build Something — Special. And — I know, for a fact, we all have a Story to share.

Success is not going to magically waltz into our lives — and, it is not a destination, at which to arrive. Daily, we must create success — the unique version each of us has determined to be right — for the benefit of ourselves and the rest of the universe.

Steps To Success

Stories can inspire you to take a flying leap of faith to make lifestyle changes — or, take action, the concept of which can be encapsulated in a single word: Commitment.

After you’ve decided to go All In — then, baby steps are required to move from Here to There.

If you set expectations about the entire Journey, you will give up before even beginning. So — the Secret is to take one Step at a time. Focus on that one Step and then another becomes visible — and, you will know exactly how to take that Step. And, the next. And, the next…

Go as far as you can See — then, you’ll be able to see farther.

The purpose of this presentation is to shine a light on your Path — and, to offer hope on your Journey.

Three-E Formula

My energy and efforts are focused on your success. If you are ready for a change, I can help — by gently teasing YOU into considering the power of the Three E’s.

Enlighten

Individually, our worldview is limited by our education, experiences, and resources. My role as A Business Coach is to broaden your horizons with Stories that shine a light on the path you have chosen — so, you can act on your new aspirations.

Empower

Beyond the sage talk, I will provide opportunities for you to learn by accomplishment. Teaching is an honorable profession. I will make sure the right tools are in your hands – and, that you have the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to use them properly.

Encourage

The 5-Step Teaching Model can be described as Explanation, Demonstration, Imitation, Correction, and Repetition. With each and every Step to Success, you will be tempted to quit. Until you run me out of your Life, I will continue to ask that you believe in YOU — the I AM.

People Over Process (POP)

Here’s the secret — always, keep People over Process. Think about it. Process is designed for efficiency. People are created for growth. As soon as an individual grows, the process no longer fits the occasion. The rules must change to reflect the new person.

The ABC’s Of Success

Our minds are designed to think and remember by 3 — in fact, the principle is known as the Magic of Three. The simplest way to maintain focus is to use the magic of these three words — Attitude, Boundaries, and Commitment.

Boundaries

Commitment

Begin With YOU

Whatever the mind can Conceive, it can Believe and Achieve. This is about more than “Positive Thinking” — this is about belief in doing the impossible. If YOU have the Want To, you will be able to Do It.

Each of us determines our, individual, definition of Success. Even though success is much more than the accumulation of material riches, money is important. Those who say otherwise will lie about other things, too.

After 35+ years as a CPA, there are many financial principles and secrets that I want to share with YOU.

If you’re an entrepreneur starting a business, my methods can help YOU be successful from day one. If you’ve been in business for several years and are tired of working for nothing, I can listen, observe, and then guide you to the goals important to YOU — and, your Family.

I believe in the wisdom, “Customers only care about how much you know — after they know how much you care.” The purpose of this presentation is to express a high degree of caring — by, sharing the very best with you.

When the situation is right for you to do something you’re interested in doing, you have the opportunity to do it. The word comes from the Latin phrase, ob portum veniens “coming toward a port” which refers to a favorable wind blowing ships into the harbor. Think of an opportunity as something a good wind blew your way.

When problems raise their ugly, fire-breathing, dragon heads, I’d much rather gather up the black balloons, invite some whiners, crawl off into a cave to lick my wounds, and throw a grand ‘Pity Party’ — all for me.

Timeless Principles

Recently, however, I fumbled into an old audiobook download in my Audible library, by Napoleon Hill, of Think and Grow Rich fame. When I use ‘old‘ as an adjective, it’s because the season of his major thoughts and famous books was from the late 1920’s through the late 1930’s.

Although, in keeping with the principle of, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” I’ll mention that the concepts presented by Napoleon Hill are timeless. Read through his biography and notice how many times he, in the eyes of the bystander ‘failed.’ Yet, he — like Thomas Edison — simply, believed he had found one more way that doesn’t work and had discovered a stepping stone to future success.

All of the great Thinkers share this one noble premise, “Success is a State of Mind.”

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

Two Very Different Worldviews

I know you’ve heard the story about the two boys on Christmas morning. One boy is taken to the barn by his Dad and surprised with a pony. The young fellow is upset — because, he wanted a motorcycle. The other boy, when the stable door is opened, is greeted by a large pile of sh!t. Excitedly, he jumps right in and announces to his Dad, “Somewhere in this large pile of manure must be a big horse!”

Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.

Odds are good our young entrepreneur didn’t find a horse in the dung heap. Yet, his Dad probably commended him for his attitude and effort. And, then, introduced him to a steed beyond the boy’s imagination.

All We Do Begins With A Thought

When we’re confronted by a Problem, can we immediately turn our minds from thinking, “Oh, darn!” — to believing there is a hidden Opportunity?

If we’re struggling a little, we can listen to this encouragement.

Regardless of what you think about Garth Brooks — or, his lifestyle choices — there is undeniably a resonance with the lyrics of that song for each of us.

There have been times in each of our lives when we thought we knew best. Other times, when we asked, “Why me Lord?” And, many times when we endured the laughter of the judgemental enjoying the pain of our mistakes.

One Man’s Mistake Is Another Man’s Harvest

Think about it. If you’re a gardener, you know seeds are necessary to grow anything. To have a harvest, seeds must be planted and nurtured. It’s a small leap of faith to see that we are given seeds — for our personal growth. What we do with them is our choice.

Speaking of gifts, here’s another thought. If flesh and blood, imperfect specimens of earthly Fathers have an aching desire to give the best to their children, it’s pretty easy to imagine a Higher Power having our best interests at heart.

The Man In The Arena

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Cold and timid souls will delight when we stumble. They will envy our success — and, the galactically stupid of them will, literally, swear at us, as we offer to help them in their journey.

At the very best, 50% of the world will love us — and, the other 50% not so much. If we boldly share our beliefs and courageously defend them, guaranteed, we will make enemies of those with different beliefs. Because — birds of a featherdo flock together.

It is not the end of the world when we face adversity, failure, and heartache. It is, simply, the end of one, very long, bad day.

Framing Is What Builders Do

Because success is a state (or, frame) of mind, all we need to do is ‘re-state‘ — or ‘re-frame‘ — the situation from a Problem to an Opportunity.

And, “No,” this Story is not about defining Success by how much Money can be accumulated in a bank account. Remember, you are a unique creation — and, quite capable of defining Success in your way and on your terms.

Later in the life of Napoleon Hill, he had this to say,

Only by working harmoniously in co-operation with other individuals or groups of individuals and thus creating value and benefit for them will one create sustainable achievement for oneself.

We do that by planting the seeds of opportunity harvested from adversity, failure, and heartache. Then, we tend them with the greatest gift (love), which is a chosen, purposeful effort — often done in the face of fear — to nurture our own growth and the growth of others.

Generally, I write at a PG-13 level — for minds of an impressionable age.

However, this article is intended, only, for mature audiences.

My definition of that, for this conversation, is anything north of 30 years old. By the age of thirty, we have gained a wealth of education and experience. We have been suckered into believing things that, simply, were not true — by people who intentionally wanted to cause harm. And, we have, probably, been betrayed at least once.

Searching and Speeding

As a result, we have searched for that fine line, between — wanting to believe the best about everyone and protecting the integrity of our soul. For each of us, that fine line of distinction will be different. So, our search for answers will have been unique.

During that search for answers, odds are good that we read a few books. One of them might have been Speed of Trust, by Stephen M. R. Covey.

Catch a gear is my euphemism for —

grab a gearturnin’ and burnin’runnin’ full stackmashin’ and a gassin’

All of which are Trucker terms of endearment for — going faster.

Marbles In The Jar

As twenty-somethings, we were invincible — with no thought for tomorrow. In fact, we didn’t even think about the end of days, because we were consumed with squeezing every last drop of fun out of each day.

The idea of going faster was a joke — because, we were already running around with our hair on fire, billowing black smoke, and going in big circles. Yet, past that doorway threshold of thirty into a bit of dimness in energy, the light came on.

As thirty-somethings, using the math of Threescore and More (score is twenty), we felt a sense of urgency and discovered a jar half empty — or, half full. Either way, time became a more precious resource and priority in our thinking.

Imagine A World

Think about what our world could, should, and would be like if, only, the truth was spoken, there was adherence to moral principles, and sincerity of belief accompanied every action. In other words, rather than some individuals striving to be characters, everyone became self-disciplined in nurturing righteous character.

If you wonder why you feel tired, it’s because you are. Day after day we fight enemies near and far. The greatest threat to our peace and freedom is our own government.

I’ve heard the expression, “We get the government we deserve.”

That is simply wrong. After paying 40% on our earnings, each year, in Federal and Montana income taxes, for the ‘greater good’ of Society, I don’t deserve to be used and abused — and, neither do you. We are guilty in one aspect, only, “We get what we allow.”

As hard-working people of Montana, we take great pride in pushing through (the snow drifts), gritting our teeth to take the next step forward (against 60 mph winds), and otherwise thriving on whatever comes our way (in people and events).

So, we might be guilty of allowing dysfunction at the highest levels of government — yet, the intent was pure.

We thought, “Surely, elected officials — sworn to uphold the law as Public Servants — will bring along their Cowboy Ethics and do the right things.”

We tend to give the benefit of doubt — until there is doubt to the benefit.

What follows is a real honest-to-goodness story about a recent experience with the Montana Department of Revenue. As you’ll see, it is simply another example of that from which I’ve protected my Clients, for 35+ years as a CPA. At the end of that Crusade, my health was poor, because I was burned-out, by the silliness of these kinds of games — which becomes the catalyst for this event in the first place.

Montana Department of Revenue sent me a Bill for $50. Yes, I was tempted to just pay their Usury Fee — much as in the corrupt end-of-days Roman Empire — yet, more than the money, it was and is the Principle of the thing.

(Note: If you prefer, you can read the actual Email thread from PDF copies located in this Google Drive Folder ~ MT Governor)

Incredulous

Why are you willing to harass a good Citizen of this great State of Montana over $50?

Evidently, in the weekly Staff Meetings, your Supervisor — or, Department Head — has not reminded everyone that you are Public Servants.

YOU work for me — I do not work for your amusement.

This episode is worthy to share with our Governor, Steve Bullock. For resources of the Montana Taxpayers to be wasted in this way is very sad.

Since the Governor will probably want to know, please, share with me – via an Email response – what Value is provided to anyone by this (your) request of me.

Here’s my answer about the serious Health Issue, “After 35+ years as a CPA serving the Entrepreneurs and real Creators of Value (Farmers, Ranchers, Oil Producers, etc.), I grew tired — literally, worn out and burned out — of these types of silly and petty games played by bureaucrats of all stripes. From October 26, 2015, through January 11, 2018, I was holding on for dear life. Each day was a struggle to find the will to live. Now, after that period of rest and healing, I’m back in the game — with the new venture of SageTalk, LLC.”

Click the two hyperlinks, in the Signature Block below, to get a new perspective on your JOB. By focusing on the Three-E Formula, I intend to Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage everyone in my sphere of influence. That includes YOU.

Over the course of 50 Years of producing Value – and, hundreds of thousands of dollars paid in Real Estate and Income Taxes to provide for the salaries of “public servants” — I find it odd that you’re challenging the truthfulness of my original Statements.

You go ahead and waste more Time and Money to make a decision about the waiver of a $50 Late Filing Penalty on my final Form CLT-4S, Corporate Tax Return for an accounting practice that no longer exists because of Serious Health Issues.

Thank you for contacting Governor Bullock’s Office about the issues you are having with the Montana Department of Revenue.

I have sent your email to the Director of Montana Department of Revenue for their review and they will be in contact soon. I’ll also make sure that Governor Bullock and his appropriate policy staff are able to review your comments.

Thanks again for contacting the Governor’s Office, let me know if you have any additional questions or information regarding this issue.

It is customary for the department’s auditors to follow-up with taxpayers regarding their requests for waiver of penalty based on medical reasons. Kelly followed up with you to ensure that you met the reasonable cause guidelines outlined in the Administrative Rules of Montana (http://www.mtrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?RN=42%2E2%2E512)

Additionally – Montana law states that a pass-through entity is assessed a late file penalty when the owner(s) are not compliant with their filing and payment requirements. Since your business was an S corporation and you were the sole shareholder, we reviewed your income tax account to verify that you were up-to-date with your filing and payment. Unfortunately, we could not find your 2015 individual income tax return. If you can provide us with a copy with your Montana individual income tax return as well as provide us with more information regarding your request for waiver of penalty, we’d be happy to review it.

And, it seems the Montana Department of Revenue has lost my 2015 Form 2, Individual Income Tax Return. A PDF copy is attached to this email.

Is it because the great State of Montana owes me a Refund of $1,017?

Did you even read the Narrative of my Serious Health Issue described in my email of May 1, 2018, below?

What part of “Close to Death” don’t you understand?

I suggest You, Citizens Advocate, and the Governor quit while you’re ahead — because this is already a “Great Story” to be shared with the Taxpayers of the World: https://www.kimfoard.com/blog-sagetalk/

After 35+ years of enduring Bureaucrats, I’ve had enough.

My purpose is to Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage “We The People” to take back our Lives.

Either do the right thing and resolve this $50 issue (after all you are a ‘public servant’) and join with me in this effort — or, continue to be part of the Problem.

Finally

Thank you for your quick reply. We will process your return promptly and respond to you regarding your waiver request via mail to ensure we protect your confidentiality.

Thank you,

Rachael Milne, EA

I Have Only Just Begun

For the last 50 years, America has been at War. I’m 62 years old and remember a Time when we were proud to be an American.

Yes, the battles abroad have seen many casualties. Yet, our entire Country has not been affected by them as much as the Culture War — at Home.

From the Hippie free-lovers of the 60’s, to the Wall Street sharks of the 70’s, to the Go-Go dancers of the 80’s, to the Self-absorbed of the 90’s, to the Irreverent of the 00’s, to the Disrespectful of today, good people have been used and abused by those determined to tear our Society apart.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ~ Edmund Burke

Well, the Time has come when Good Men have had a belly full of the “No Rules – No Problems” crowd. Universal Principles (think Gravity) are for our benefit — and, the recognition and observance of them keep us Safe.

Good Men everywhere are Standing Up and are Committed to meeting the Enemy — with the appropriate Force — to bring back the High Standards of principled Life.

I’ve begun my new Crusade to give an answer for the Hope within me. So far, the results have been spectacular — from those Individuals in disbelief that I no longer will “Go Along To Get Along.” And, from the encouragement of those silently cheering the Warrior in me — I am determined to provide a Refuge for all of those in need.

Part of the Solution — Or, Part of the Problem?

Since I have heard nothing from our Governor, Steve Bullock, I intend to follow up regarding his silence. Was he not informed of this matter? Does he not care? Or, maybe, the comforts of the Governor’s Mansion have clouded his judgment?

Whatever the excuse, I intend to find out why he thinks our Constitution has limits.

Americans calling for protection of the Second Amendment want their families to be safe. I know because I’m a gun owner who believes in the Constitution, yet also recognizes its limits.

Thoughts and prayers are not solutions. They are excuses.

As governor, I hear directly from the people I serve. They want action. They recognize that like most policy issues, there is no single proposal or prescription that will solve the issue of gun safety. But they are tired of the enormity and complexity of the challenge being the excuse for inaction.

As individuals and as a nation, we can no longer be paralyzed. We have to act.

Well, big fellow, I’m going to find out what YOU intend to DO about the miscreants you’ve allowed into My Government.

There is an expression known as a fact in the Private Sector, “The work will always match the people — and, the People will always match the Work.” In my experience, only two out of ten State employees are doing the work — of solving problems. The other eight are part of the problem. After ridding our Government of the unproductive, this proverb will ring true, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.”

While it is sad to lose even one life because of a nut with a gun, what do you say about all of the lives you are allowing to be ruined in Montana — from the action and inaction of Government Employees?

If, only, I could line up the People ruined by Bureaucrats and call the Media to take photos, your little soapbox rant about guns would pale into insignificance.

Unless you choose to resign, YOU are responsible for wasting vast amounts of Time and Money over a $50 Usury Fee. Those state Employees work for YOU.

What improvements have been made in the last two months to prevent your minions from harming another single Montana Citizen?

“I am amused that you continue to ask for me to explain — what is not and never was.”

That was my response to an attorney, who wanted me to explain the unexplainable. He had taken a course of action, which transformed the simple into the complex. In fact, the potential exists that he has endangered a Family by encouraging them to, unintentionally, break the law.

How often do we fall into the trap of letting our thoughts and energies be consumed by the not of what is?

In other words, how much of our day is wasted by thinking about what is behind us — or, what is outside of our control? That’s the purest and craziest definition of — what is not and never was.

If we’re standing in the light of what is right, there is absolutely no reason to explain the darkness of another person’s wrong. To do so changes our thinking from, what is — to, what is not.

This Is What Is

1.) Law provides order to what otherwise results in chaos. Every structure of dynamic goodness functions within the parameters of principle.

2.) Activities of growth and purpose occur in the Present — moment to moment — because of a thoughtful plan for the Future.

3.) We are Captains of our own Destiny, who sail the seas of the unknown and find our greatest happiness in the Journey of enriching the lives we touch.

That’s plenty to keep us busy.

Understanding the core principles of right and wrong is one thing. Living a life of principle is another. Sometimes, we do what we know not — and, then, forget to do what we know. Eventually, we sync knowledge with action, to discover a higher dimension — of thought and being.

Focusing our attention on one thing at a time can best be remembered with this mantra — “Whatever our hands find to do, let’s do it with all our might.” And — if those efforts are constant and consistent with a purposeful plan, the result will be a Reality of our Dreams.

Believing in a future beyond our imaginations unshackles us from the safe harbor of what is known. In fact, belief in a Higher Power becomes the wind in our sails. As with all destinations, Ports-of-Call come and go. What endures, forever, are the impressions made on the souls aboard — and, beyond.

Forget about the small minds chained to the chaos of — what is not and never was.

Remember the power of Understanding, Focusing, and Believing in — What Is.